GET TO KNOW YOUR THERAPIST
Marly Mathes
Marly Mathes, MSW, LCSW
I CREATE A HEALING SPACE WHERE CLIENTS ARE SEEN, HEARD AND UNDERSTOOD
WHY I BECAME A THERAPIST
I believe that everyone can benefit from support as they navigate the complexities of life. Therapy is a safe place for everyone–teens, young adults, or older adults to delve into things that make life challenging. Each session is a place where we can explore any thoughts or beliefs that don’t serve you, build tools to help you cope with life’s challenges, and work to remove any barriers that may be holding you back from leading a fulfilling life.
I BECAME A THERAPIST TO HELP PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY KIDS AND TEENS, FEEL ENCOURAGED TO GROW.
WHEN I WORK WITH CLIENTS, I USE A STRENGTHS-BASED AND CLIENT-CENTERED APPROACH INCORPORATED WITH MINDFULNESS AND COMPASSION. I HELP CLIENTS EXPLORE THEIR PAST, AND IDENTIFY HOW THEY CAN CHANGE THEIR FUTURE. I FOCUS A LOT ON CREATING A STRONG THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP, AS I FIND TRUST TO BE A KEY FACTOR IN HELPING CLIENTS EMBRACE THE CHANGES THEY WANT TO MAKE IN LIFE.
Therapy is a journey in which the connection between client and therapist is essential to creating a safe space to heal and grow. The relationship is built on trust, empathy, understanding, and commitment. I strive to create a collaborative space for my clients where they feel comfortable and encouraged to deepen their self-understanding and self-awareness. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard and I want to help others find their voice.
When I work with clients, I incorporate THREE THINGS to create positive change:
connection | self-understanding | authenticity
WHO I WORK WITH
I specialize in working with adults and teens dealing with trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, grief & loss, or major life transitions. I also work with families and parents to help them feel confident in providing a safe, supportive, and loving foundation for their children.
My area of expertise is helping teens and young adults foster resilience and growth in the face of adversity and build skills to address overwhelming or complicated challenges of daily life.
WILL THERAPY BE HARD?
Therapy might not always be easy, but we will work together to make sure that the therapeutic space feels as safe as possible. Discomfort is okay, and it can take practice to get used to tolerating the discomfort and the unknown. During that practice and the times that therapy may feel challenging, I will be with you through the process to talk through those feelings as they arise.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME & MY PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- I completed my Masters in Social Work from New York University.
- I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- I have completed a 27.5 hour Living Brave course by Dr. Brené Brown focusing on Vulnerability, Courage, Shame, and Empathy.
- Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in public education as a teacher and school social worker.
- I utilize mindfulness and mind-body relation as a tool in therapy.
Loves cooking complicated recipes
Enjoys wheel-throwing pottery
Love-hates yoga sculpt class